HUNDREDS of people descended on Mold town centre yesterday to mark the first day of the Battle of Britain celebrations.

Visitors were swept back in time as the town came alive to the sound of Vera Lynn while the traders got into the wartime spirit and wore authentic 1940s clothing.

A British Aerospace Hawk aircraft took to the skies as families lined the streets and waved their Union Jacks.

Peter Boyce, 75, and his wife Jackie, 74, travelled from Cheshire to enjoy the festivities.

Peter said: “We’ve come to Mold for the day to take part in this. Tonight we will be heading to Theatr Clwyd to hear the lecture by Geoff Simpson and Tony Pickering.

“I was a little boy when the Battle of Britain was going on and I lived in Dover too so it was going on right over my head.”

Jackie added: “The town has come alive. It looks so lively and bright and there is so much going on.”

Yesterday visitors basked in the sun and enjoyed a street party at Y Pentan pub on New Street.

Helen Perry, who runs The Party Shop on High Street, entered into the spirit by dressing up as a fighter pilot

“The celebrations are going wonderfully,” she said.

“We have had lots of positive comments and people are really getting into the spirit of things. There’s a street party in New Street as we speak.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be a real boost for the town. People are smiling which is always a good sign.”

History enthusiasts Mold Salutes organised the week-long festivities to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Also in the pipeline is a tour of the former Valley Works at Rhydymwyn and a memorial parade through town ending at the cenotaph.

Today youngsters can try their hand at Airfix modelling at Y Pentan pub.

All proceeds will go to Mold Salutes and the charity Help for Heroes.